Swan Inspires Pies

A stellar performance from Dane Swan and an eight-goal opening term has seen Collingwood defeat Geelong by 31 points. The Brownlow medallist amassed a rampant 40 disposals in a contest that was effectively over by quarter-time.

Collingwood’s midfield simply dominated Geelong, with Swan, Dayne Beams and Scott Pendlebury all delivering over 35 disposals and crushing the Cats. Although Geelong tried to fight their way back, especially in a strong final term, the margin was simply too great for the Cats to overcome.

Swan’s effort was clearly the highlight of the night. His 40 disposals included four inside 50s, three rebound 50s and an amazing nine clearances as he tore the Cats apart. Beams played the link role, delivering numerous inside 50s, while Pendlebury’s workhorse efforts helped around the contests. The three combined were simply unstoppable, and Geelong would have required a side at the peak of its dynasty to stop this midfield trio.

However, Geelong did put up a fight. Steve Johnson picked up 36 touches through the middle, James Kelly went head to head with Swan and gathered 38 disposals while Trent West began to assert himself on the open ruck position with 26 hitouts and two goals. All three were critical as Geelong stemmed then attempted to turn back the tide, but the game was already lost.

One player that would have wished it to be over quickly was Travis Cloke. The in-demand Collingwood forward managed nine disposals and a goal, but was thoroughly shut down by Tom Lonergan for nearly the entire night. Once again, questions should be asked as to whether his contract situation is driving him to distraction on the field and potentially harming his value.

Geelong face Essendon next Friday night at Etihad, while Collingwood take on Hawthorn next Saturday at the MCG.